Roche Diagnostics names Kenyan-born physician Allan Pamba as new UK and Ireland General Manager

UK—Roche Diagnostics has appointed Dr Allan Pamba as its new General Manager for the UK and Ireland.

Pamba brings to the role a rich combination of frontline medical experience, executive leadership, and a proven track record of driving healthcare access across Africa.

He steps into the position previously held by Geoff Twist, who earlier this year took on the expanded role of regional head for Roche Diagnostics across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (EMEA LATAM).

From the frontlines to the boardroom

Pamba trained as a physician and holds both a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.

He later earned a Master of Science in Public Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

He launched his medical career on the frontlines of sub-Saharan Africa, fighting malaria and HIV/AIDS.

During that time, he established the first comprehensive HIV care clinic at a remote facility on the coast of Kenya—a milestone that underscored both his ambition and his commitment to healthcare access in underserved communities.

In 2005, he transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry when he joined GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the UK.

There, he contributed to the clinical development of malaria vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Over the next 14 years, he held several senior roles at GSK, including Director for Public Engagement and Emerging Markets Access Strategy, Vice President and General Manager for East Africa, and Head of Government Affairs for Africa.

A return to Kenya and a move into diagnostics

After his long tenure at GSK, Pamba returned to Kenya to serve as chief executive officer of Nairobi Hospital.

He then joined Roche Diagnostics Africa in November 2021, serving as executive vice president.

In that capacity, he engaged with national, regional, and global policymakers and stakeholders, leading efforts to expand access to high-quality diagnostic testing for patients across the continent.

Looking Ahead

Pamba now takes the helm at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, bringing decades of experience across clinical medicine, public health policy, pharmaceutical development, and executive management.

His appointment signals the company’s intent to bring a globally informed perspective to one of its key markets.